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Men’s Guide to Pulling Off Bold Prints in Spring

Bold prints are everywhere this season. Shirts, shorts, shoes and even coats are getting the bold print treatment. From the more classic stripes and checks to the louder prints like Aztec, animal print and florals, they are all leaving a mark on your favorite men’s fashion pieces.

Fashion is all about personal expression. Today, more and more men are looking to explore the world of bold prints and trying to keep up with the trend. In fact, many of them are considering the look. But given that these prints can look big, bold and scary, they end up intimidated.

If you think bold prints aren’t for you, think again. It’s time for you to open your world a little wider to fashion and style and do away with the black and grays that have been dominating your wardrobe during the winter months.

Use these tips to help you pull off bold prints this spring.

Don’t be afraid of prints

Prints work for both relaxed and amped up situations. It can work even on the most casual of days. You have the option to wear a graphic tee, printed chinos, dress shirt, or even Bermuda shorts. But when wearing prints, whether it be Aztec, polka dots or floral prints, you want to tone it down with a basic pair of jeans and shoes. Use neutral colors to balance out a loud combination.

Dark trousers will also look great when paired with a bright patterned shirt. If you find floral prints a big feminine, you can toughen it up by pairing a floral shirt with more masculine accessories like a blazer or jeans. You may also wear a neutral-patterned jacket to combat those April showers.

Don’t be afraid to play around with patterns and colors. Try out a few patterns to see which one will suit the location and occasion. Have fun working on your individual style.

Smart casual

Most people are under the impression that print shirts are meant for casual attires. Oftentimes, people see it as a holiday shirt or those worn by middle-aged men. Sure, they may look a lot more casual as compared to their dress shirt counterparts, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be worn stylishly.

Floral prints, for instance, can look sophisticated, provided that you only have one item of clothing featuring this pattern. It could be a floral shirt or a jacket. Match it up with solid colored pieces like a basic pair of trousers. You want it to look pulled together and not too busy.

If you decide to wear a patterned blazer, be sure to wear a white shirt underneath to tone it down a bit. If you try to pull off mixed prints, there’s a good chance that the colors will clash and you may end up looking like a walking street light or a clown.

Suit up

Imagine a jacket and trousers that bear the same print. That’s a sure head turner. We know it’s a bold start, but if you really want to look cutting edge, you might as well head into it full on. Keep in mind, though, that everything should be done in moderation.

If you find that you absolutely love printed suits, we recommend that you pair it with a solid colored shirt of a completely different color. This will help balance out the busyness and loudness of the suit. Neutral colors are your best option. Do this and you’ll become the most well dressed man you want to be.

Accessorize

Bold print makes for a great statement piece. If you are looking to add a little flare to your outfit but find it a bit intimidating, accessories would be a great place to start. Ties, watches, belts, caps, socks, shoes or other accessories that feature paisley or floral prints may be what you need to make an impact. This is especially recommended if you’re just starting to dip your toes into the patterned end of the pool.

If you’re a smart dresser, you may want to start by pairing a white shirt with a patterned tie. White shirt is like a blank canvas, so you can use whatever tie you like and it will undoubtedly look good.

Introduce pattern into your wardrobe slowly, especially if you are new to wearing print. Just start small to see how it feels for you. When you feel confident enough to move towards a bolder wardrobe, then go ahead and invest in printed shirts, pants, shorts and other pieces of clothing.

Final thoughts

Bold prints make for some much needed color and vibrancy into minimal or neutral outfits. When done right, you’ll be able to stand out in the crowd. But wearing prints will only work for you if you feel confident with what you’re wearing.

Awkwardness is extremely difficult to hide. Any kind of second guessing will make you look comfortable. When wearing bold prints, the key is to wear it with a great deal of confidence. Remember, it’s how you carry your clothes that make the biggest impact.